Thread: Its about how you hold your mouth...

‘Cos it never occurred to me not to, until I tried these two holds and saw these results.
I experimented because this particular rifle seemed to be shifting its impact between sessions, and then it dawned on me it might because it was sensitive to how I held it.

Any slight change in marksmanship principles will likely show a change on the target.
There is a definite shift as a result of the pressure you applied. (Is it a consistent shift do you know?)
Whether it is due to the stock, harmonics or position you just need to find out what works and stick to it imo.
Just lining up slightly off when you get behind the rifle or slightly forcing your position with out you noticing, will/can cause a impact shift like that. Especially if it is waterline, in my experience.

Originally Posted by R93

Any slight change in marksmanship principles will likely show a change on the target.
There is a definite shift as a result of the pressure you applied. (Is it a consistent shift do you know?)
Whether it is due to the stock, harmonics or position you just need to find out what works and stick to it imo.
Just lining up slightly off when you get behind the rifle or slightly forcing your position with out you noticing, will/can cause a impact shift like that. Especially if it is waterline, in my experience.

Thanks for this. Its a consistent shift. It has always been either spot on, or higher to the right as in the pics and it has always baffled me. Im glad I’ve got to the bottom of it, and thanks for your help.

My field shooting is ok. The last 21 deer for 19 shots, but mostly Im either free hand, or free recoil over my pack. In any event, the actual shift in impact here probably doesn’t count for stuff all in the full context of hunting conditions. But I just like things to be right.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Thanks for this. Its a consistent shift. It has always been either spot on, or higher to the right as in the pics and it has always baffled me. Im glad I’ve got to the bottom of it, and thanks for your help.

My field shooting is ok. The last 21 deer for 19 shots, but mostly Im either free hand, or free recoil over my pack. In any event, the actual shift in impact here probably doesn’t count for stuff all in the full context of hunting conditions. But I just like things to be right.

I reckon I shoot a very similar style to you whether I am shooting paper or animals and have a rest. It may be the most fickle and easily influenced way of shooting, but I seem to get consistent results as well.
If I inadvertently load anything up, I have issues.

Nice group Tahr must have been holding your mouth right, you now just need to remember how you held your mouth so you can do it again

Everyone's comments so far are correct and in the right context.

When you pushed down on the rifle you essentially made the rest 'harder' and the rifle recoiled away from it, hence the higher to the right POI.
My advice? Stop doing it.